Have you ever endured a project meeting where you spent hours evaluating risks? Afterward, team members walked down the hall saying, “What a waste of time! Now I can get back to the real work.” Today, let’s discuss the use of qualitative risk analysis to get you back on track.
What causes this frustration? First, the evaluation process may not fit the project – too complex for simple projects or deficient for large, complex projects. Second, the process may not fit the maturity level of the project team. Third, team members view the process as burdensome with little value.
Risk evaluation is the process to determine the significance of each risk. There are two ways to evaluate risks:
You cannot respond to all risks, neither should you. Prioritization is a way to deal with competing demands. This aids in determining where you will spend your limited time and effort.
We evaluate in order:
Let’s look at two qualitative risk evaluation methods: 1. the KISS Method, and 2. the Probability/Impact Method.
Be sure to specify your risk analysis technique(s) in your Risk Management Plan as you assess your risks, capture and maintain your Risk Ratings in your Risk Register.
Check with your organization to determine whether there is a definition of risk scales. If not, define the criteria for your scale.
I use the KISS (Keep It Super Simple) Method on smaller projects and with teams that lack maturity in assessing risks. This one-dimensional technique involves rating risks as:
Risk | Risk Rating |
---|---|
A | Low |
B | Very High |
This scale allows greater discrimination than the commonly used Low, Medium, and High scale.
I normally use this technique with larger, more complex projects and with teams that have experience with risk assessments.
This two-dimensional technique is used to rate probability and impact. Probability is the likelihood that a risk will occur. The impact is the consequence or effect of the risk, normally associated with impact to schedule, cost, scope, and quality. Rate probability and impact using a scale such as 1 to 10.
Risk | Probability | Impact | Risk Score |
---|---|---|---|
A | 4 | 8 | 32 |
B | 3 | 5 | 15 |
Once you have rated each risk, calculate the Risk Score as Probability x Impact. I sort my risks in descending order with the Risk Score as the primary sort.
The Probability/Impact Method also helps in programs. I total the risk scores within each project to calculate the Project Risk Score and compare the scores between projects. This helps me understand which projects have the greatest risk exposure and where I need the most skilled people.
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